In addition to offering four different, quaint cottages tucked into its orchard, the Philo Apple Farm also has a "Stay & Cook" program that gives guests a taste of farm life and the opportunity to participate in meal preparation.

You can't talk about unique California hotels without mentioning the Madonna Inn. Even if you've never stayed in one of its entirely unique rooms, you've probably marveled at its Swiss chalet-like facade during a road trip or two. If you're into kitsch, this is your place.

Speaking of views along the Big Sur coastline, Post Ranch Inn's modern rooms are not messing around when it comes to providing scenic vantage points. Each guest room is both rustic and sleek while being one-of-a-kind (and priced accordingly).

Craving a weekend away that's more retro and low-key than glamorous? Consider the California Wigwam Motel on Route 66. Built in 1949, it's one of the few remaining Wigwam Motels in the United States and delivers up a cone-shaped slice of Americana.

The lodgings are simple, but the experience is exceptional. If it's foggy, cozy up near the wood-burning fireplace in your room; if it's blue skies, watch the sun set from the cliffs. Either way, a climb up the 140 plus steps to the top of the West Coast's tallest lighthouse is a must.

The Queen Mary launched from Southhampton, England, in 1936 and was "the grandest ocean liner in the world," until she had to ditch luxury for efficiency during World War II. After her stint as a troopship, the Queen Mary returned to passenger travel for another 20 years before settling into retirement in Long Beach on Dec. 9, 1967. These days, visitors can experience a bit of the ocean liner's history by staying in one of its many staterooms or suites.

If your idea of comfy is more floral-themed rooms than rustic cabin with wood floors, then the Groveland Hotel is your Yosemite stay. It's pet-friendly, too, assuming your dog won't be ruffled by the teddy bears that adorn the beds.

Located in the Six Rivers National Forest, east of Crescent City along Highway 199, this remote point provides a single cabin and views from every direction. The cabin lacks modern conveniences (no electricity and no indoor plumbing), but that's part of its appeal. The lookout and cabin are a package deal that can only be rented for a limited season (typically July through September).

Although it's boasting a facelift as of late, the National Hotel, built in 1852, still offers a Gold Rush-era vibe with restored Victorian furniture and a dark downstairs bar where you may feel compelled to get comfortable and order a whiskey.

Another floating hotel! Instead of a retired ocean liner, the Delta King is a historic river boat, sister of the famous Mississippi Delta Queen. The paddle wheeler started journeying between San Francisco and Sacramento in 1927 and kept doing so until the completion of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge a decade later. Like the Queen Mary, the Delta King was reinvented during WWII. It's not going anywhere these days, but the Delta King offers a special stay you won't find elsewhere in California.

Fun photo from the days before the Delta King was reinvented as a floating hotel. The river boat was partially submerged in the San Francisco Bay for 15 months until it was relocated to Sacramento and renovated in 1984. less

Fun photo from the days before the Delta King was reinvented as a floating hotel. The river boat was partially submerged in the San Francisco Bay for 15 months until it was relocated to Sacramento and renovated ... more

Photo: Delta King Hotel

Fun photo from the days before the Delta King was reinvented as a... Photo-6261877.85240 - SFGate

On its website, the Metro Hotel is billed as "A little trip to Paris in Sonoma County," and this quirky boutique hotel and its cafe are certainly tres charming. From its shabby chic cottage (a separate property) to its Airstream "guest houses," the Metro is for folks looking for a quaint North Bay stay.

Built in 1888, the Del is a very pretty piece of coastal California history that has been maintained and enjoyed since its debut. The hotel has a great history website for readers interested in learning the details of its development and growth.

A National and California Historic Landmark, Riverside's Mission Inn is a stunning work of architecture that combines Mediterranean and Mission style elements. If you can't stay the night, the Mission Inn offers daily tours that give visitors a feel for the hotel's history and a glimpse at its large art collection.

Anglophiles should feel quite at home upon arriving at The Pelican Inn. As the website declares, The Pelican is "an inn capturing the spirit of 16th century England’s west country." Touches include a Tudor-style facade, plenty of dark wood, canopy beds and, of course, a downstairs pub.